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NFL playoffs

What a first round! We got strange finishes, dominant performances, and some history in the process: it was the first time all four road teams won. Now we get to see the top 8 do battle. Can the road teams carry over the good feelings from Wildcard Weekend? Or can the top 4 seeds get to the Championship games?

I picked three of the four games from last week correctly, as I took the Chiefs, Seahawks and Packers all to win on the road. I nearly got the last one when the Bengals almost came back from 15 down, but late mistakes doomed Cincy again and they went home after the first round yet again.

Saturday Games

Chiefs (5) @ Patriots (2): The win streak has hit 11 for the Chiefs, and they had the easiest time advancing to the second round. The Kansas City defense made easy work of Houston, and the game felt over to me as soon as Knile Davis started the game with an 108-yard kick-off return. They’re clicking on all cylinders and are the hottest team in the league. New England is coming off a week of rest, and for once got an offensive weapon back as opposed to losing one to injury. Danny Amendola is back for the Pats this week and it’s sure to be a welcome sight for Tom Brady. That being said, New England has had a lesser second half after starting 10-0, mostly due to injury. And against this Chiefs defense, even Brady will need help, and I don’t know if he’ll get enough. I’m going with the upset for the Chiefs and saying the Pats don’t make their 5th straight Conference championship. KANSAS CITY WINS

Packers (5) @ Cardinals (2): After backing into the playoffs, Green Bay found themselves again on the road against Washington last week. The run game got back to respectability, and Aaron Rodgers found the passing game in the second half. Feeling good about themselves, the Packers head to Arizona to play the number 2 seed. Before the season I picked the the Packers to win the Superbowl, and after their hot start the season, I felt good about it. But the Packers are truly the fourth best team in the NFC right now, and while they are more than capable of winning on the road, I don’t see it happening. The Cardinals are 19-3 in the past two seasons with Carson Palmer under center and had a week to recharge themselves after a blowout loss in week 17. Larry Fitzgerald has had a renaissance season, and their run game exploded towards the end of the season with David Johnson. I’m going with the consistent Cardinals at home to make it to their first NFC Championship game since 2008. ARIZONA WINS

Sunday Games

Seahawks (6) @ Panthers (1): Seattle is lucky to be here after the Vikings missed a game winning chip shot late last week. The Seahawks defense was great a week ago, and while the Vikings did a great job stymieing their offense, Seattle was able to get the passing game going in the fourth. They face another tough defense in the 15-1 Panthers, though they did start to slip a bit towards the end of the season. That’s not surprising as they were so good all season. Marshawn Lynch should be back for the Seahawks, making this another game prime for a ground and pound battle. Possessions will be hard to come by, but there will be more action in the air than a week ago. As much as I like how good Seattle has been in the second half, and despite the success they’ve had in the playoffs in the past few years, I think we’re looking at a 1-2 match-up in the NFC. Give me the Panthers in a one score game. CAROLINA WINS

Steelers (6) @ Broncos (1): Pittsburgh survived their first round match-up, but as was the story of their season, they suffered heavy losses. Ben Roethlisberger suffered an AC Sprain and torn ligaments during last weeks Wildcard win. With his status up in the air, the Steelers are already without another huge weapon in Antonio Brown, who suffered a concussion. The Broncos had a week to rest up for this, and a week to get Peyton Manning back in game shape. Manning hasn’t played a full game since November 8th, but it must be a good feeling to know you have a guy in Brock Osweiler to go to at the first sign of trouble. Denver has been superior on defense all year, the running game got going late and they have the home crowd on their side. DENVER WINS

The final week of the regular season is upon us, the Panthers are undefeated no longer and there is still a lot to decide for the postseason. There are two spots left up for grabs, both in the AFC, but seeding isn’t even close to set yet. We still don’t know who wins the NFC North and we don’t know who wins the AFC South. Three different teams can finish with the number 1 seed in the AFC, while two teams have a shot in the NFC. So sit back and enjoy what is essentially the first week of the playoffs!

I went just 7-9 in my picks last week, making my season total heading into the final slate of games 134-106.

Sunday 1PM games

Jets @ Bills: It’s simple for the Jets. Win and you’re in. New York has won five straight and are back to doing what got them out to a quick start to the season. Buffalo has been up and down all season, and the money they put into the defense didn’t pay off. There are other ways for the Jets to get into the playoffs if they lose, but with a shot to get in against their former coach, I’ll take Gang Green on the road. NEW YORK WINS

Patriots @ Dolphins: New England’s loss to New York in week 16 means they still have something to play for this week, and that’s the number 1 seed in the AFC. They need to win and they get it. If they lose, and the Broncos win, Denver gets it. Miami is playing for pride and to play spoiler. But they won’t. The Patriots injuries are concerning, but Tom Brady in a most win situation and a chance to have the AFC go through Foxborough? I like those odds. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Saints @ Falcons:This wasn’t the season I thought we’d see from New Orleans. I thought they’d bounce back from a down 2014-15 season, but an 1-4 start was too much to come back from, though they tried, getting themselves to .500 at 4-4, before the wheels fell off. The defense was never there for the Saints. It’s been an even stranger year for the Falcons, who got off to a fast 6-1 start, then went on to lose six straight. Now they’ve won two straight, including ending the Panthers undefeated season. They were eliminated from playoff contention thanks to the Vikings win on Sunday night, but they can salvage the season and finish at 9-7, which i think they do in front of their fans. ATLANTA WINS

Ravens @ Bengals: A win secures a first round bye for the Bengals, which is always big, but for a team that has been bounced in the first round four straight years, would be huge.Baltimore was plagued with injuries all season, and are just looking to end the season on a high note. Cincy is coming off a tough OT loss to Denver, but AJ McCaron showed he can succeed while Andy Dalton gets better. At home, with that defense, I am taking the Bengals to give themselves a shot at the bye. CINCINNATI WINS

Steelers @ Browns: Pittsburgh can still make it to the playoffs, but they need to win and they need help. Good thing for them is they are playing the Browns, who can still finish with the worst record in the league. And continuing issues at QB leaves Cleveland with another off-season of questions ahead. Give me the road team to end on a high note, even if they don’t make the playoffs. PITTSBURGH WINS

Jaguars @ Texans: Houston doesn’t have to win to take the AFC South crown, but you always want to take the division, not back into it. They get a tough match-up in Jacksonville, who has shown the ability to score in the second half. But the Texans defense at home with a chance to punch their own ticket will be too much for the Jags to handle. HOUSTON WINS

Titans @ Colts: Indianapolis needs to win this game and get a whole lot of help if they’re to win the South. But as I have already picked the Texans, I don’t think they get there. However, they will win this final game of the year. Tennessee benefits more from losing, plain and simple. INDIANAPOLIS WINS

Redskins @ Cowboys: The Redskins already have the division and can’t finish anywhere but fourth in the NFC. But capping off the season on a four-game win streak and a 9-7 record will further validate their being in the playoffs. Dallas will want to finish on a high note, but they’ve put so many key people on IR that even if the Skins take it easy and rest most of their players, I can’t see the Boys winning their season finale. WASHINGTON WINS

Eagles @ Giants:The loser finishes the season in third place in the NFC East, despite both leading the division at different parts of the season. New York had a clear path to the division, had they played better in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter this season. Good teams finish, and they weren’t able to consistently enough. 7 of the Giants 9 losses were by one score. As for the Eagles, they never got their running game going, and Sam Bradford was a turnover machine. The Eagles destroyed their NFC East rivals at home in their first meeting of the season, so I’ll take the Giants to finish with some pride and return the favor to end both their seasons. NEW YORK WINS

Lions @ Bears: The loser gets the NFC North cellar all to themselves, a far fall for the 11-5 Lions of a season ago. Both teams have played betterhere in the second half of theseason, just good enough to fall closer to the middle of the pack record wise in the league. So who avoids the basement? I like the Lions on the road to finish strong and take a three-game win streak into the off-season. DETROIT WINS

Sunday 425 PM Games

Buccaneers @ Panthers: Tampa Bay showed flashes in 2015 under 1st year QB Jameis Winston, staying the playoff race most of the season. But finishing up the season against the no longer undefeated Panthers is a tough way to go out. Carolina still has something to play for as they haven’t locked up the number 1 seed, and with the Cards playing at the same time, they can’t go into this one knowing if they can rest players or not. Either way, I like the Panthers to finish up at 15-1 and force the NFC to come through Carolina en route to Super Bowl 50.CAROLINA WINS

Raiders @ Chiefs: Oakland could linger on what could’ve been this season after a decent 4-3 start, but they should be excited for the future, after winning just 3 games a year ago, they stayed in the playoff hunt for most of the season with a young team. As for Kansas City, they’re the hottest team in the AFC, and are getting the best of Alex Smith. It’s amazing how the Chiefs got off to such a slow start BEFORE losing Jamaal Charles. Oakland will make this tough, but I think the Chiefs make it 10 straight heading into the playoffs.KANSAS CITY WINS

Chargers @ Broncos: San Diego is going to finish with one of the worst records in the league, while Denver can finish anywhere but 4th in the AFC. A win and a Patriots loss would give them the 1 seed. I think they get the win, but as I think New England wins, I see the Broncos finishing as the two seed. DENVER WINS

Seahawks @ Cardinals:Two of the NFC’s best take flight in week 17. Both teams are playoff bound once again. Seattle has been on fire in the second half, looking more like the two-time defending NFC Champs they are as each week passes. That was before they looked bad at home against the Rams last week. As for Arizona, why are we not giving Carson Palmer more praise for what he’s done with the Cardinals? The team is 29-8 with him under center, 19-2 the past two seasons. They still have a shot at the number 1 seed if the Panthers loseagain.This division match-up will have a playoff feel, but I think the home team gets the W.ARIZONA WINS

Rams @ 49ers: San Francisco’s season was shaped in the off-season when they moved too many pieces. The defense played better as the season when on, and they got a couple more wins after changing QBs, but they’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to get back to their winning ways. As for the Rams, they showed their age, defeating some of the league’s best, including a season sweep of the Rams and handing the Cardinals their first loss.This is also a chance for the Rams to finish 8-8 for the first time since 2006, and I think they finish the job. ST LOUIS WINS

Sunday Night Football

Vikings @ Packers: The battle of the NFC North title caps off the regular season slate. Minnesota has been carried by their defense and rushing attack all season, while Green Bay has been extremely up and down since starting the season 6-0. The Packers rushing attack has been severely underwhelming, and Aaron Rodgers offensive line hasn’t been doing him any favors. The Vikings will be able to hold time of possession, but as the calendar turns to January and the playoffs, I think we will get the best version of Aaron Rodgers, and the Pack will clinch the division on the seasons final day, as they did two years ago against the Bears. GREEN BAY WINS

Two more weeks to go, and six of the 12 playoff spots have now been claimed. Carolina escaped week 15 with their perfect record in tact, the reigning Super Bowl Champs clinched a bye, and the Seahawks continued to show why they are the two-time defending NFC Champs.

Last week I finished at 9-7 to bring my season picks total to 126-91.

Thursday Night Football

Chargers @ Raiders: The Chargers played what could’ve been their final game in San Diego last week, and played their best game of the season. Oakland put up a good fight against the Packers in week 15, thanks to a big game from Amari Cooper, but now the best they can hope for this season is an 8-8 record. I like what San Diego did last week, finally getting the running backs involved, so give me another Chargers win on Christmas Eve. SAN DIEGO WINS

Saturday Night Football

Redskins @ Eagles:It’s that time of year. No more College Football, so we Football on Saturday Night! You get excited remembering that, than I remember we have to watch Washington and Philadelphia battle it out for the NFC Least. The Skins sit alone atop the division, but need to win one of their two final games to hold on to the crown. Washington is the better team, whatever that means in this division, and should get the victory to lock up the division this week. WASHINGTON WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

Patriots @ Jets: New England already has the division and first round bye locked up. They can still lose the number 1 seed, so they still have a lot to play for in week 16. New York currently sits just outside of a wild card spot, despite starting the season with a 4-1 record and being on a four-game win streak. These two know each other well, and played a close one in week 7. I think this will be another close affair, but I like the Patriots to take the season series and possibly wrap up the number 1 spot in the AFC. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Texans @ Titans: Houston sits in the drivers seat in the AFC South after a week 15 win over the Colts. Both teams will start backups in week 16, a big story of the South this season. The Texans are unsurprisingly being carried by their defense, and I expect that to be the case again this weekend. I like Houston to win this game and the division, while Tennessee looks to secure the number 1 pick. HOUSTON WINS

Browns @ Chiefs: Cleveland would get the number two pick in the draft if things stay as is through the final two weeks of the season. Kansas City has higher hopes, as they have not only gotten themselves into wild card position, but are just a game back of the Broncos for the AFC West. The Chiefs are far-and-beyond the better team, and I expect them to make it nine wins-in-row. KANSAS CITY WINS

Colts @ Dolphins: Before the season I like the Dolphins to challenge for a wild card spot, and the Colts to make the Superbowl. Now as the regular season winds down, Miami is in line for a top 10 pick, while Indianapolis could finish under .500 and miss the playoffs entirely. I could see this being a low scoring game based on the inconsistencies of both offenses, so I am going to take the home team to leave a less than bitter taste in their mouths this off-season. MIAMI WINS

Jaguars @ Saints: Jacksonville hasn’t been consistent in any phase of the game this season, but neither have the Saints. The Jaguars have shown they can score in bunches, and New Orleans has shown they can’t stop anyone. With the possibility of no Drew Brees this week, I like the road team to pick up their sixth win of the season. JACKSONVILLE WINS

49ers @ Lions: Neither team has had the season they thought they would. I’m more surprised by what Detroit has done returning most of their players from a year ago. San Francisco made too many changes in the off-season coupled with poor play from Colin Kaepernick to compete in the NFC West. That being said, Detroit has played a lot of better of late, and that is why I’m going with the Lions in this match-up. DETROIT WINS

Cowboys @ Bills: Two disappointing seasons, but for different reasons. Injuries have Dallas set to finish the season with a great draft pick in preparation for the return of Tony Romo next season. The running game hasn’t been what the Bills wanted it to be this season, and their defense really disappointed. That being said, I like Tyrod Taylor than the Cowboys options at quarterback, so I’m picking the home team in this one. BUFFALO WINS

Bears @ Buccaneers: Two teams out of the playoff picture square off in Florida this weekend. And neither team can finish above .500, the Bucs should feel a lot better than the Bears when this season comes to a close. Jameis Winston showed flashes in his rookie season, and this team stayed in the playoff conversation until last week. Chicago has now put up back-to-back disappointing seasons, and haven’t been over .500 in three years. A year after getting the number 1 pick, Tampa has at that mark, and I think they give themselves a shot in week 17. TAMPA BAY WINS

Panthers @ Falcons: One more win, or one more Cardinals loss will give the undefeated Panthers the number 1 seed in the NFC. They nearly lost to New York in week 15, playing poor defense and turning the ball over late, things they don’t do. But they held on, and Cam Newton continued his MVP caliber play. Atlanta finally snapped They will play for an undefeated season in week 17. CAROLINA WINS

Giants @ Vikings: New York needs to win out and a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs. Minnesota controls its own destiny, hlding a two game lead for the final NFC wildcard spot. Win one of the next two, and the Vikings are in. However, Eli Manning has been so good throwing the ball of late, that they hold the advantage there over Minnesota. But without his most reliable weapon in Odell Beckham Jr, who knows. With that being said, you always want to clinch earlier, and with a chance to do so at home, I like the Vikings to run all over the Giants defense. MINNESOTA WINS

Sunday 4/425PM Games

Rams @ Seahawks: Russell Wilson is having the best season of his career, which is impressive for a guy who’s taken his team to the past two Super Bowls. The Rams have a shot at .500 for the first time since 2006, but I don’t think they get there. The offense isn’t high powered enough to keep up with a red hot Seahawks team. SEATTLE WINS

Packers @ Cardinals: Arizona has the division wrapped up, and a win this week would all give them a first round bye. Green Bayhas clinched a playoff spot, but haven’t locked up the division and still have a shot at a bye week. The Cardinals haven’t lost in a while, and have their run game going. And while Carson Palmer is fine after injuring his finger in week 15, I’m going to take a leap and pick the road team this week. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday Night Football

Steelers @ Ravens:The Ravens are just looking to stay out of the cellar in the the AFC North, while the Steelers are trying to grab a wild card berth. While division games are usually more competitive than non-division ones, there’s no way this version of the Baltimore Ravens keep up offensively with the Steelers, who have scored 30+ in each of their last six games. A win gives Pittsburgh 10 and keeps them in a wild card spot heading into the final week of the season, a game against the lowly Browns. PITTSBURGH WINS

Monday Night Football

Bengals @ Broncos:Without question the game of the week, maybe the regular season game of the year. The winner has a clearer path to a bye week in the tough AFC. The loser might not even get a bye week with the Patriots already clinching one. Cincinnati is without Andy Dalton, but are probably feeling better about themselves than teh Broncos, who are just 3-4 since their perfect start. The Bengals could use the extra week to get Andy Dalton healthy. As for Denver, their early season success was predicated on their defense, which was no match for a hot Steelers team in a big game a week ago. And with the Chiefs now just a game out, this game means a whole lot to them as well. So who takes the Monday Night affair? Give me the Broncos to rebound and get to AJ McCarron. DENVER WINS

Carolina remained undefeated in week 13, but it took a huge second half to do so. Meanwhile in the AFC, there’s a three way tie for the best record at 10-2 between Denver, Cincinnati and New England, who managed to lose their second straight game and fall out of a bye if the season ended today.

Lucky for them, and us, we still have plenty of football left. I moved to 109-82 in my picks this season with a 10-6 mark in week 13.

Thursday Night Football

Vikings @ Cardinals: Minnesota couldn’t make a move in week 13, losing badly to a streaking Seahawks team. They allowed the Packers to get back into first place. As for the Cards, they are sitting comfortably in the two spot in the NFC and still have a three game in lead in their division. Both teams have been solid in all phases all season, but Arizona holds a huge edge in the passing game. Until Teddy Bridgewater can consistently put up big numbers in the air, this team is going to be one dimensional on offense. And against an above the fourth best rush defense in the league, Minnesota is going to need more from their second year QB. So as much as I like this Vikings team, I like the home team even more. ARIZONA WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

Bills @ Eagles:Both team are coming off nice wins against playoff hopefuls, while keeping their own playoffs alive. Philly took down the Patriots, giving them their second loss in a row, a rarity in the Tom Brady era. Buffalo evened up their record taking down the Texans, who remain tied atop the AFC South. This is another game where both teams have been inconsistent all season, hence the .500 and below records. I have a lot more faith in the Bills defense however, so give me the road team to move above .500, while the Eagles drop out of first in the East. BUFFALO WINS

49ers @ Browns:Two of the worst teams in the league square off this weekend in Cleveland. The Browns currently hold the worst record, with San Fran sitting two games better than them. The Niners hurt their “chances” at the top draft pick when they took down the Bears in OT. Neither team has had the season they would’ve hoped for and while both teams have a lot of on and off the field questions, I think the Niners find a way to pull out another game this week. SAN FRANCISCO WINS

Lions @ Rams: St. Louis started off the season with a lot of promise, but have totally collapsed in the second half. The opposite can be said for Detroit, who took two months to get a win, and have looked a lot more like the team we expected here the past six weeks or so. Both enter with 4-8 records, but the Lions are the hotter team, and the more talented team. DETROIT WINS

Saints @ Buccaneers:Early on this season, both of these NFC South teams looked like they’d be in-contention for the number 1 pick. And while New Orleans still has an outside shot, both teams have shown glimpses of hope. Tampa Bay knew there would be struggles with a rookie QB, but the number 1 overall pick in Jameis Winston has his team at .500 and in a spot for a possible wild card. Drew Brees and company had gotten to .500 after a very rough start, and despite a two-touchdown lead on the undefeated Panthers in week 13, the Saints are in the middle of a four-game slide. So wins this division match-up? While the Bucs running game is one of the best in the league, and the Saints defense hasn’t been anything to write home about, I’m going to go out on a limb here and take the road team to pick up their fifth win this weekend. NEW ORLEANS WINS

Titans @ Jets: The Jets needed OT in week 13, but they kept their playoff hopes alive against their stadium mates. As for Tennessee, they remain in line for another prime draft pick with a 3-9 record. While the Titans have the ability to score in bunches, they don’t have the ability to stop good teams most days. And the Jets are a good team that can beat you in several ways. That’s why I like the Jets to better their chances at a wildcard berth this week. NEW YORK WINS

Steelers @ Bengals: Pittsburgh has been the most resilient team in the league this season, sitting in a playoff spot in the competitive AFC despite stretches with Ben Roethlisberger and their top flight running back Le’Veon Bell. But they still enter action three games behind the Bengals for the AFC North, and a Cincinnati win this week gives them that crown. This should be a fun game, and despite two good defenses, could be a high scoring one. But whether it is a shoot out or not, I think the Bengals get the job done and move closer to a much needed first round bye.CINCINNATI WINS

Colts @ Jaguars: Neither team has a winning record, but one team has a shot at a division crown. Indianapolis, despite a bad start to the season and losing their Pro-Bowl caliber QB remain in a fight for the AFC South crown. Jacksonville is just playing out the season, preparing for another high draft pick. Sure the Jags have shown promise, but they’ve also shown how young they are. Indy and the ageless Matt Hasselbeck have something to prove and fight for, so give me the Colts to move above .500 here in week 14. INDIANAPOLIS WINS

Chargers @ Chiefs: San Diego has been a disappointment this season, on both sides of the football, while their counterparts have rebounded from a rough start and find themselves in the playoff hunt. Kansas City has won six straight, and are the second hottest team in the league. Their defense has been great all season, and now their offense has closed the gap. They’re playoff vets, and not a team to be taken lightly. The Chargers can definitely play spoiler with Philip Rivers under center, I just don’t think they will. KANSAS CITY WINS

Redskins @ Bears: Washington had a chance to take hold of the NFC Least in week 13, instead they lost a strange game to Dallas. Chicago lost another game late, this time to San Francisco. If the NFC East wasn’t so bad, this would just be a game between two bad teams looking for better draft position. Instead, it has playoff implications too. And while Washington has been a lot better in the second half of the season, I like what the Bears have been able to do in the ground game of late. So give me the Bears to make things more difficult and hard to define in the NFC East. CHICAGO WINS

Falcons @ Panthers: After starting off the season on fire, the Falcons have come crashing back to earth in a big way. Not only are they on a five-game losing streak they are no behind two teams in the NFC South. And a road tilt against the league’s last undefeated team isn’t a great confidence boaster. Cam Newton is playing like an MVP and the defense is playing like champions. Will Carolina stay undefeated through the regular season? Who knows. But unless Atlanta stops turning the ball over and gets the offense of weeks 1-4 back, the Panthers should stay undefeated another week. CAROLINA WINS

Seahawks @ Ravens: Which bird will fly highest in week 14? That’s easy. The Seahawks are on fire, while the Ravens wings were clipped weeks ago. The NFC should be scared with how great Seattle’s offense has looked in recent weeks. And despite the fact that Baltimore hasn’t been horrible defensively, there’s no way they can compete with what the reigning NFC champs are bringing on either side of the ball, not this year. SEATTLE WINS

Sunday 4/425PM Games

Raiders @ Broncos: Another week, another win for Denver, who enters week 14 as the two seed in the AFC. As for the Raiders, who sit two games out of the playoffs, they are just looking to get to .500. This AFC West match-up should still be a good one, but I don’t think it will end in any other way but with another Broncos win. Denver’s defense is too good, and the Raiders offense too inconsistent.DENVER WINS

Cowboys @ Packers: 4-8 versus 8-4 and yet somehow, both teams have a shot at their division. It’s the sad state of the NFC East that a Dallas team on QB number 3 can say that, but after Matt Cassel picked up his first win in a Cowboys uniform Monday against the Redskins, they are just a game out. Meanwhile, the Packers wild finish in Detroit on Aaron Rodgers game ending Hail Mary, coupled with the Vikings loss has them back atop the NFC North. Both teams want this game, but Green Bay needs it. The Packers can’t miss the playoffs after tehir 6-0 start, while Dallas should really focus on getting better in the draft and looking ahead to getting Tony Romo back for next season. Dallas and their fans probably don’t see it that way, but the knowledge they can win this division and be this bad, should tell them a healthy, revamped team in 2016 could go far. Besides, Rodgers and company have been bad at home lately, something they’re not used to. I can’t see another letdown for them. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday Night Football

Patriots @ Texans:It’s a huge AFC battle on Sunday Night with playoff implications on both sides. As previously mentioned, both teams took unexpected losses in week 13. After starting 10-0, the Pats are now in danger of losing a bye, as both the Bengals and Broncos enter the week with identical 10-2 records. Houston is .500 and could have a shot at having the AFC South all to themselves if the Colts fall this week. I though the Pats would come out angry last week, and instead were embarrassed by the below .500 Eagles. Give me an angry Tom Brady to get back on track and hurt Houston’s playoff chances in week 14. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Monday Night Football

Giants @ Dolphins:One team still has a shot at the division, while the other has a lot of work to do just to get into the playoff discussion and stay out of the cellar in their own division. Both teams enter action with 5-7 records. Of New York’s seven losses, six of them have come by one score (18 combined points), meaning if they’d converted even half of those, they’d be 8-4 and be well on their way to the NFC East crown. Instead, they’re in a three way tie for 1st. As for Miami, they’re up, yet mostly down season has them looking up at everyone else in the AFC East. I keep doing this every week, but for a team led by a coach/QB tandem that have won championships, in years where they were written off about this time, I’m going with New York one last time to save their season. NEW YORK WINS

And then there was one. Carolina stands alone as the league’s lone remaining undefeated team after starting the week with a Thanksgiving Day win. Now that the calendar has flipped to December, the race for the postseason heats up. Here is my look at the 10 best teams, and who the three worst teams are, as we march towards Superbowl 50.

Top 10 Teams Through Week 12

Carolina Panthers (11-0): I would put them at the top even if New England had remained undefeated. Why? Because Carolina has gotten better every week dating back to late last season. Early in the season they struggled on offense, but their defense has been on point all year, currently ranked second overall just behind the Broncos. Add a top five run game, an extremely confident QB and a balanced passing attack, and you’ve got the clear favorite to come out of the NFC right now. There are more experienced teams vying to bring them down, but it’ll be hard to do it before the second round, as they will end the season with one of the two byes.

New England Patriots (10-1): They’ve been close to a loss for a few weeks, and it took overtime for them to finally get one. But to write them off as some have after their loss to Denver on Sunday night is ridiculous. They have suffered a lot of injuries on offense, which is why they have been on a bit of a “slide” of late. But they still have their most important offense weapon in Tom Brady healthy, and Rob Gronkowski’s injury wasn’t as bad as previously thought. They could lose a bye with the recent issues, but I wouldn’t put it past them to rally and hold on even with the injuries. And with a huge lead in the AFC East, something catastrophic would have to happen for them not to make the playoffs. They were knocked down in week 12, but they are still the best team in the AFC until they get knocked out.

Denver Broncos (9-2): It remains to be seen if Peyton Manning has been “Wally Pipped” by Brock Osweiler, but what I do know, is the Broncos offense is finally on par with the defense this season. Sure the run game has picked up, but it doesn’t hurt when the QB isn’t turning the ball over as much as Manning was before he got hurt. Not only was taking down the undefeated Patriots great for this team’s morale, it also means they still have a shot at the number 1 seed in the AFC. They found a way to go 8-0 with a less than spectacular QB performance in the first half. With a younger, hungry QB, this team could go very, very far this season.

Cincinnati Bengals (9-2): A week 12 loss helped turn the tide after a two-game skid ended their run at perfection. Other than on loss which was due to poor offense, the other poor defense, Cincinnati has been consistently great on both sides of the ball. They’ve shown the ability to absolutely dominate, and win the close games. They have a shot a bye, with a game against their biggest competition, Denver, ahead of them. Andy Daltonis having the best season of his young career, something he and the organization need to continue through the playoffs after so many first round exits. Despite being ranked ninth, the run game has been up and down, and they need it to be more consistent. But they’ve shown they can play with anyone, and look primed to get the second round monkey off their back if they continue doing what they’ve been doing, and stay healthy and hungry.

Arizona Cardinals (9-2): It’s amazing what this team has been the past two seasons with a healthy Carson Palmer. 15-2 as the Cardinals starter, with a TD-INT ratio of 38-12, the 13-year veteran is doing a great job leading this team. Larry Fitzgerald is having a renaissance. Their two losses were the only two games where they really let down their guard and played down to their opponents, showing when on point, they can be and have beaten everybody. Arizona boasts the top ranked total offense and fifth defense in the league, proving they are a legit title contender if they can stay healthy.

Minnesota Vikings (8-3):It’s amazing the difference Adrian Peterson has made on this team. A rejuvenated rushing attack has lessened the pressure on second year QB Teddy Bridgewater, who really hasn’t been impressive at all this season. This team truly lives by the ground and pound mentality, relying heavily on it’s top ranked rushing offense, and it’s top 10 defense. They’re better stopping the pass, which is key in the North with the likes of Matt Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. They’re a game up in the division while currently holding a better division record than Green Bay. Their last four games are tough, with two against the best of the NFC West, and a week 17 match-up that could determine the division against the Packers. But if the run game can continue eating up clock, and Bridgewater can find a way to be even a bit better than mediocre, they are in the drivers seat in the North.

Green Bay Packers (7-4): Despite their poor play of late, this team is still a force to be reckoned with. A bright spot in their Thanksgiving Day loss was the return of Eddie Lacy, who had been a disappointment this season. Aaron Rodgers found success early on without his favorite target in Jordy Nelson, throwing to the likes of James Jones. But for some reason, things haven’t clicked on offense for late. The Packers QB isn’t turning the ball over, but his completion percentage is down and with the absence of a consistent run game, the offense has become one dimensional. They know how to win, but one big worry for this team right now is Rodgers health. He said he lost feeling in his fingers against Chicago, so you have to wonder how that will manifest itself going forward.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-5): They’ve won five straight, and are doing exactly what I said they needed to do when I looked ahead to the second half:

Five of their final eight are against below .500 teams, and the three that aren’t, are the teams ahead of them in the West. They can move up quickly if Alex Smith can continue to spread the wealth in the pass game and avoid the late turnovers that have plagued him.

Smith hasn’t been reckless with the football and the team is scoring points in a major way. When they started 1-5, the most points they’d managed to score were 28 against Green Bay, but they then allowed 38. During their five-game winning streak, Kansas City has score no fewer than 23 points, while allowing a total of 61 points. And with the schedule still in their favor down the stretch, and a struggling AFC, this team is primed for a wildcard spot.

Seattle Seahawks (6-5): They’re finally starting to look like the back-to-back NFC Champs that they are. Russell Wilson had one of his best performances in week 11, throwing for five touchdowns. The defense still wasn’t what it’s been, but if the offense can look even close to what it did last week for the stretch run, they’ll make it to the playoffs in this season’s NFC. At this point, they’re only competing with two teams for the wild card (Atlanta and Green Bay).

Houston Texans (6-5): After making the Dolphins look like an offensive juggernaut in week seven, the defense has gotten back on track in a big way. This team was built around their defense and run game, but the loss of Arian Foster meant the passing game needed to step up. And after many changes at quarterback, Brian Hoyer has done enough to lock up the job for now. Four straight wins have put them in a position not only to make the playoffs, but to win the AFC South. And we’ve seen what JJ Watt can do in the playoffs, so the AFC should be nervous.

As November comes to an end, the playoff picture is coming more into view. And that means Thanksgiving Day football! Three games all with playoff implications will get week 12 going. We still have two undefeated teams in the Panthers and Patriots. Do I think both stay that way? Keep reading to find out!

I went 7-7 last week, bringing my season pick total to 87-67. Not bad but let’s do better this week shall we?

Thanksgiving Day Football

Eagles @ Lions: Don’t look now by the Lions are playing their best football of the season (not that is saying much for how they played in the first half). It was never a question of talent with this team. As for the Eagles, they are reeling. Detroit is used to playing on Thanksgiving, and with their upswing, I think they’ll walk all over the struggling Eagles. Look for Calvin Johnson, if healthy, to put up big numbers.DETROIT WINS

Panthers @ Cowboys: Carolina enters week 12 as the only undefeated NFC team, while Dallas got their QB and first win in eight games last week, so both teams feel pretty good about themselves heading into a short week. And while some could argue the Cowboys wouldn’t have lost seven straight with Tony Romo, they are still a work in progress, where as Cam Newton and company are getting better every week. I think Dallas will give them a run for their money, but I like the Panthers this week on the road.CAROLINA WINS

Bears @ Packers: It’s kind of weird for as any times as these divisionrivals have played each other, it’s never been on Thanksgiving. Well, that all changes this week. The Packers are coming off a much-needed victory last week against the Vikings which put them back atop the NFC North (tied with Minnesota but currently holding the tie breaker). Chicago had looked better with two straight wins before losing a close one to Denver in week 11. Green Bay can’t take any opponents lightly the way they’ve played for the past month, but at home, I like Aaron Rodgers to light up the Bears defense. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

Raiders @ Titans: The Raiders were starting to figure things out at 4-3, but now they are losers of three-straight and now have two teams ahead of them in the West to go with others in the wildcard race. After clicking offensively for a good part of the first seven weeks, they cant get things going again, and have been inconsistent defensively against teams as hungry as they are. Tennessee entered week 11 still in the AFC South race despite a 2-7 record. But they couldn’t muster much against Jacksonville, burying them two games into the cellar. Oakland is healthy, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t get back on track offensively this week, especially if Derek Carr can find Amari Cooper early an often. OAKLAND WINS

Bills @ Chiefs: The Chiefs are on a four-game win streak that has them right in the thick of the wildcard hunt in the AFC. After weeks one and two when they allowed a combined 74 points, the defense has been great allowing, no more than 18 points in a game. Buffalo enters action with an identical 5-5 record to KC, so this game could make or break a playoff spot. The offense has picked up for the Chiefs, helping them get back in the race, while the Bills have been extremely up and down this season on both sides of the football. The consistency of Kansas City the past month is why I am taking the home team here in week 12. KANSAS CITY WINS

Buccaneers @ Colts: The Buccaneers are starting to round into form, and find themselves just a game behind the Falcons for second place in the NFC South. Indianapolis is in better position in the AFC South, tied for first. Whether the Colts win or lose this season, it tends to be a close game. The Bucs have followed a similar path, though their first game of the season was a big loss to Tennessee, while they blew out Philly a week ago. So it tends to be harder to predict which Tampa team will show up. That being said, watching both teams of late, I actually trust the Bucs more, simply because I didn’t expect anything from them heading int other season, yet here we are, week 12 and they have the same record as a Colts team i picked to make it out of the AFC this season. So I’ll roll with the road team here. TAMPA BAY WINS

Giants @ Redskins: It’s a tight battle in the NFC East, with all teams still in the hunt. New York is coming off their bye with a new (old) weapon on offense in Hakeem Nicks who returns in the place of Victor Cruz who is officially out for the season. Washington is coming off a blowout loss to Carolina, despite a pretty good showing by the offense.NFC East battles are always interesting and usually close, and I expect nothing less in this meeting. But I like the road team in this one to move back above .500 and take control of the division.NEW YORK WINS

Saints @ Texans: New Orleans put a few wins together and started to look like the team we’ve seen make regular playoff appearances… offensively that is. The defense has been horrendous all season, and they were thoroughly embarrassed before their bye week by the Redskins. As for Houston, they’ve won three straight to take a share of first place in the AFC South, mostly on the strength of their defense. And that’s why it doesn’t really matter who the QB for the Texans is against New Orleans, they’re going to win this game with JJ Watt and company.HOUSTON WINS

Vikings @ Falcons: This should be a good match-up between two teams that would both be playoff participants if the season ended today. Both are also coming off losses. Atlanta is actually in the midst of a three-game skid, with their lone win coming against Tennessee. The offense has just not produced the way it needs to, turning the ball over 16 times in their last six games. Minnesota was flying high before a frustrated Packers team took them done by three scores in week 11.So who wins on Sunday? I like the Vikings despite being on the road. I see Adrian Peterson having a big day, killing clock and no allowing Matt Ryan to have the time to get back on track. MINNESOTA WINS

Rams @ Bengals: Two straight losses in prime time for the once 8-0 Bengals has them in jeopardy of losing a first round bye if Denver continues to win. For a team that has lost in the first round four straight years, that would be devastating. Not to mention they’d done well making the plays late in close games early, and now they’ve failed the past two games, including against a lesser Texans team. That being said, they welcome in a struggling Rams team, who has stopped doing what made them successful early in the season. Sitting pretty at 4-3 and in second in a tough NFC West, St. Louis has lost three straight thanks in large part to a disappearing act on offense. Two of their four wins came against the Seahawks and Cardinals, so they have the capability to beat anyone on any given Sunday, I just don’t think they get it done here.CINCINNATI WINS

Chargers @ Jaguars: So coming into the season, i you asked me which of these teams would be in a position to compete for a playoff spot, I wouldn’t have said Jacksonville. But the Jaguars are actually in the conversation. A lot of would have to happen in the final six weeks, but it’s very possible they steal a wild card at the very least. They’ve been able to do enough to compete in most games, winning four of 10, which puts them a game out of a wild card spot. As for the Chargers, Philip Rivers has had no help from his defense or run game. Plain and simple. That being said, I just don’t like the Jaguars enough to say they’ll move over .500. Give me the upset.SAN DIEGO WINS

Dolphins @ Jets: New York is struggling, Miami is drowning. This AFC East match-up means a chance to stay in the wild card convo for the Jets, and to get back in it for the Dolphins. All but two of New York’s games have been decided by a score, while Miami tends to blow out opponents, or get blown out. So unless Miami comes out guns blazing, I like the Jets to make the play down the stretch, especially if it needs to be a defensive play, to win the game.NEW YORK WINS

Sunday 4/425 PM Games

Cardinals @ 49ers: The Cardinals have been consistent all season, which is why they sit as the two seed in the NFC as we had towards the finish line. San Francisco is just looking forward to next season. Colin Kaepernick is done for the season. Blaine Gabbert isn’t the answer. All of the 49ers off-season losses hurt and they didn’t do a good enough job answering needs. They can’t score, having hit the 20-point mark just twice this season. This should be an easy ninth win for the Cardinals.ARIZONA WINS

Steelers @ Seahawks: Pittsburgh could’ve folded up and looked ahead to next season a number of times this season, with injuries and suspensions taking superstars away over and over again. But they didn’t and would be the fifth seed in the AFC. Seattle has had its struggles both on offense and defense, but the reigning NFC Champs should not be underestimated despite the lack of boom in the Legion of Boom we are used to. I like the Steelers offense better than the Seahawks at this point, but I am still taking the home team this week to get back above .500. Look for Russell Wilson to take it to the ground and make some things happen himself. SEATTLE WINS

Sunday Night Football

Patriots @ Broncos:Well, it’s not Brady versus Manning on Sunday night as Brock Osweiler got himself another start after Denver’s week 11 win over Chicago. So right off the bat, the QB battle favors New England, though it would have anyway this year with an unhealthy and ineffective Manning. This game will come down to Osweiler taking care of the football, and the defense stopping Tom Brady. The past two weeks for Brady haven’t been great, but the future hall-of-famer finds ways in the end to keep his team undefeated. But I think that run ends this week in Denver. I’ve loved the Broncos defense this season, and if Brady plays the way he has of late, I think they make him pay late. DENVER WINS

Monday Night Football

Ravens @ Browns:No Joe Flacco. No Justin Forsett. A very bad season for Baltimore got worse in week 11, losing their two best offensive weapons. The playoff perennials are just trying to stay out of the basement now. And I just don’t think they will climb out. I liked what Johnny Manziel has done since being named the starter, even if it didn’t result in wins. But with Manziel’s off the field issues bumping him out of the starting role, this is a tough game to call. I was going to take the Browns with Manziel at starting QB, so even though he won’t be this week, I think I’ll stick with them. CLEVELAND WINS

I went 5-8 last week, bringing my season total to 73-59. Let’s get to week 10’s picks.

Thursday Night Football

Bills @ Jets: Both teams are coming off wins and sit at .500 or better behind the Patriots in the AFC East. The Jets snapped their two game skid last week, but it still wasn’t pretty. The run game was non-existent outside of the red-zone. They allowed Blake Bortles to throw for 381 yards but did pick him off twice and a recovery of a fumble late helped seal their 5th win. As for Buffalo, they got off to a fast start and never looked back against Miami in week 9. The Bills relied heavily on the run game, with two 100 yard rushers, though when they did go to the air, QB Tyrod Taylor hit his mark. Taylor was a very efficient 11/12 for 181 yards. So will this game end with both teams owning 5-4 records or will the Jets move to two games over .500, dropping back to one below? Give me the home team to better their wild card positioning this week. NEW YORK WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

Jaguars @ Ravens: It’s a match-up of 2-6 teams with Baltimore coming off their bye week and the Jaguars coming off the loss to New York. Jacksonville can score with the best of them, but can also be shut down pretty easily, showing their youth and inconsistency. The Ravens however, have been in every game they’ve played, but have failed to make the big play late more often than not. I’ll take the home team in this one. BALTIMORE WINS

Browns @ Steelers: Last week the Browns couldn’t stop the Bengals quest for perfection, while the Steelers found a way to overcome another Ben Roethlisberger injury and no Le’Veon Bell. Johnny Football couldn’t save the Browns from a seventh loss, while DeAngelo Williams went off on the ground, and Antonio Brown had a record day in the air. Despite losing their starter again, I still like the Steelers in this one because their defense and run game are way better than what Cleveland has to offer. PITTSBURGH WINS

Panthers @ Titans: Well, the Panthers are still undefeated and have now put together two very impressive and balanced wins. Tennessee feels better about itself after snapping a six game slide and getting week one Marcus Mariota back. Too bad they face Carolina this week, because there is no way all three phases of the Titans squad can keep up with the Panthers who are on a league high 12-game winning streak dating back to last season. CAROLINA WINS

Bears @ Rams: The Rams are a .500 and actually have the upper hand over the Seahawks if they both win this week. Chicago found a way without Matt Forte to pick up their third win of the season thanks to a big night from Alshon Jeffery and a good job stopping the Chargers run game. I like the Rams defense but they tend to play up or down to their opponents. That being said, I like St Louis’ chances at home even if they do play down to Chicago. ST LOUIS WINS

Cowboys @ Buccaneers:This should be the last week the Cowboys are without Tony Romo, and considering they haven’t won without him, that’s a good thing. They haven’t gotten killed without him, but the offense just hasn’t done enough to help out the defense. As for Tampa, they’ve been very up and down, but have been in their last few games until the end. Unless the Cowboys get the run game going in Tampa, I like the Buccaneers to make it seven straight losses for Dallas. TAMPA BAY WINS

Lions @ Packers:A down-and-out Detroit team versus a down Green Bay team. Detroit continues to have the clearest path to the number one pick thanks to their barely one-win on the season so far. Now they face a Packers team that is struggling after a 7-0 start. Not to mention that it’s been two decades since the Lions have won on the road versus the Pack. Make it another road loss for the hapless Lions. GREEN BAY WINS

Dolphins @ Eagles: One team dropped a division match-up last week, the other picked up a needed division win. Miami sits in the cellar of the AFC East, while Philadelphia evened up their record and moved within a game of the Giants for first place in the NFC East. The offense wasn’t the problem for the Dolphins last week, but it hasn’t been a consistent year for Tannehill and company. I still don’t trust Sam Bradford so I like the Fins on the road. MIAMI WINS

Saints @ Redskins: New Orleans got another big game on offense from Drew Brees, but turnovers and the defense’s inability to stop anyone hurt them again. Washington had no chance against the Pats last week, dropping to 0-4 on the road. They’re 3-1 at home this season, so maybe they play better, but I still like the Saints in this one. NEW ORLEANS WINS

Sunday 4/425PM Games

Vikings @ Raiders: This is one of the most intriguing match-ups of the week. Minnesota is off to one of it’s best starts at 6-2, while the Raiders strong start was hurt by a loss to Pittsburgh a week ago. The Vikings escaped with an OT win against a good defensive team last week. I liked Minnesota to challenge for a playoff spot before the season, and while I thought Oakland would be better than a year ago (not hard when you only win three games), I didn’t think they’d be in a playoff battle this year. Minnesota has been carried by their defense this season, but I think Oakland finds a way to get back in the win column at home. OAKLAND WINS

Chiefs @ Broncos: Coming off their first loss of the season, the Broncos also had their QB on the sidelines during practice this week. As for Kansas City, they’ve started to look a lot better and have a second half schedule that could get them back in the AFC West race quickly if they continue to get better. That being said, Denver’s defense will be hungry after a poor showing against Indianapolis, so give me the home team to get back on track, especially if Manning plays. DENVER WINS

Giants @ Patriots: New York is taking on New England in a season that finds the Patriots undefeated… where have I heard this before? The last time this happened, it was week 17, and the Pats eked out their 16th win to stay undefeated in the regular season. Then went on to lose in the Superbowl to those same Giants. Now here we are, with the Giants offense starting to click, going into Foxborough with a chance to hand the Pats their first loss. These two teams play close games in the Manning-Brady era, and I don’t think that changes this week, something that will be different for the 2015 Pats. But it’s tough in a normal year to win in New England, so give me the Pats to stay undefeated. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Sunday Night Football

Cardinals @ Seahawks: Talk about a big division match-up in prime-time. Arizona has been the best team in the NFC West through the first half of the season. But two games with the Seahawks in the 2nd half will be the marker for how read they are. The reigning NFC champions have been very up and down this season and have a shot to get above .500. It’s hard to go into Seattle and win, but I like what the Cardinals have done on both sides of the ball this season about as little I like the Seahawks offense this season. ARIZONA WINS

Monday Night Football

Texans @ Bengals: Houston is coming off their bye, while the Bengals are coming off their 8th win of the season. The Texans won their game prior to their bye, but they weren’t all that impressive, particularly on the ground. Cincinnati continues to click on all cylinders and being at home with a chance to move to 9-0 is huge. CINCINNATI WINS